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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 29]
Paved To Perfection: Masterton Businesses Welcome Foot Traffic
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:57 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
The all-in-one approach aimed to minimise disruption by avoiding the need for multiple separate projects, but had still caused significant disruption since March. More >>
Mayor: ‘Large Chunks’ Of Wellington Council Deloitte Report Written By AI
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:54 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
Deloitte has been asked for comment following Little’s Tuesday interview, but the firm has previously stood by the report. More >>
Westport Councillor Petitions Govt
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:50 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
Regardless of the number of signatures he might collect, Mr Reynolds said he was pessimistic about any likely response from the Minister of Local Government Simon Watts. More >>
Civil Defence Group Writes To Minister Over Rates Cap Concerns
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:43 pm | Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter
Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group warned in the recent letter that it could be difficult for authorities to maintain capabilities if emergency activities were subject to capping. More >>
Auckland Council Chief Wants Manurewa Election Allegations Sent To Him Or Police
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:35 pm | Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter
Michael Barnett and Tania Winslade took up the roles on 31 August to advise on the board's governance and collective performance. More >>
Hastings Blossom Parade Returns With New Market And Shorter Route
Friday, 4 September 2026, 6:24 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
The annual event is funded by Hastings District Council. Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said the parade and festival were an important part of the district’s identity and heritage. More >>
First Destination Playground At Forgotten Auckland Suburb
Thursday, 3 September 2026, 3:47 pm | Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter
The project had been tagged at $1.7m when it was first announced, but with more capital input from the local board, Amosa said it was a great investment for Avondale. More >>
Water Quality Trials Deemed Inconclusive At Algae-Plagued Canterbury Lake
Thursday, 3 September 2026, 3:43 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Algal bloom health warnings have been in place at Lake Hood, south of Ashburton, for four consecutive summers. More >>
Central Districts To Remain United During Emergencies Despite Reforms
Thursday, 3 September 2026, 3:40 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
Ruapehu experienced a water supply emergency only weeks ago when a major break occurred in Ohakune’s raw water intake pipe, triggering a district emergency. More >>
Whakatāne Council Deficit $1.8 Million Higher Than Anticipated
Thursday, 3 September 2026, 3:37 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
The council's finance, performance and risk committee received an initial draft of the 2025-2026 Annual Report before it is submitted to Audit New Zealand. More >>
Kawerau Council Riding High As Satisfaction Ratings Soar
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 12:37 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Respondents were asked to rate 20 council services and facilities, with 15 of these achieving positive customer ratings of 70 percent or higher, and nine achieving above 80 percent. More >>
Carterton Rates Plan Could Stump Forestry Sector
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 12:32 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
During Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday, Local Government Minister Simon Watts said the days of double digit rates increases were “coming to an end” and that a rates cap would “put a brake on excessive rates increases”. More >>
Flush With Potential: Shifting Wastewater From Sea To Soil
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 12:27 pm | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
From irrigating crops to sports fields, various options are being explored in Nelson about how to reduce the amount of treated wastewater that is discharged into the sea. More >>
Heat On Senior Staff As Councillors Pick Apart Landslide Failures
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 12:19 pm | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors probed how the council handled information before the tragedy, including why some monitoring appeared to have stopped, how reports about risk were escalated and why these did not make it to council meetings. More >>
Far North Approves New Independent Dog Objections Panel As First Case Awaits Hearing
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 10:59 am | Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter
Council staff said dog control hearings were quasi-judicial proceedings requiring decision makers to apply principles of natural justice, weigh evidence, avoid conflicts of interest and provide written reasons for their decisions. More >>
'The Holes Will Get Bigger': $1.9m To Test Lake Wall Fixes Labelled 'Delay Tactics'
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 10:46 am | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
The council says the wall, built for $11m in 2008, could cost up to $25m to repair. More >>
'Asinine' Speed Bump Removal Plan: Tāhunanui Hills Residents Forced To Be First Responders
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 10:40 am | Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter
Nelson residents who have responded to crashes outside their homes want the council to change its mind and keep speed bumps installed, but not everyone in their neighbourhood agrees. More >>
Wairarapa Water Entity Eyes Up New HQ
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 10:32 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
In the organisation’s latest newsletter, board chair Adrienne Young-Cooper said work to establish Waitī Waters continued at pace and thanked staff from the four councils for contributing to the transition on top of their day-to-day responsibilities. More >>
Long-Awaited Amberley Dog Park In Sight
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 10:29 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Hurunui District Council is to consult on a proposal to develop a dog park in a plantation reserve near Amberley. More >>
'We Are Not Magicians': Canterbury Councils Hit Back At Rates Cap
Wednesday, 2 September 2026, 8:15 am | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury councils say costs imposed by Government are helping to push up rates, as they face the prospect of a rates cap. More >>
